Brazilian Governor Regrets His Opposition to Creation of Israel

January 6, 1961

RIO DE JANEIRO (Jan. 5)

Governor Carlos Lacerda, chief executive of the State of Guanabara, which includes this city, announced publicly last night that he feels now he had been mistaken in 1948, when he opposed the formation of the State of Israel. Governor Lacerda is one of Brazil’s outstanding journalists. In 1948, after visiting several Arab countries, he wrote a series of fiery articles in opposition to the creation of Israel.

Last night, the Governor addressed a meeting here conducted by a well-known Jewish club, Monte Sinai. In opening his address, the Governor stated: “My evaluation of the Palestine problem in 1948 was erroneous, and I consider it fortunate that my opinion on this subject has changed entirely since then. I believe firmly now that the establishment of Israel was not only a necessity. Israel must be considered a great asset to the entire world.”